UP Coins celebrates five years

Provides safe and fair-priced liquidation of gold and silver

November 14, 2012

CHASSELL - Todd and Sally Van Kleeck of UP Coins have been serving as a professional outlet for liquidation of coins and jewelry for residents of the Copper Country for the past five years.

"We've helped a lot of people over the last five years," said Todd Van Kleeck, owner of UP Coins. "And we're going to continue to be here and be an outlet for people to liquidate coins and jewelry."

Van Kleeck's initial interest in coin collection began at a young age when a gentleman on his paper route shared information about his collection and his interest grew from there. When coin collecting became more of a hobby, he started doing more research.

Article Photos

Ashley Curtis/Daily Mining GazetteVan Kleeck displays books used during the research process to determine the value of certain coins.

"When I got into the business, I did even more research to determine trends, values and develop contacts so that if I buy something from somebody I know where to get the highest price for them," he said.

Before beginning UP Coins, Van Kleeck operated a nationally recognized collecting business in Indianapolis where he was able to establish a wide range of contacts from all over the country. Shortly after moving back to the area, he realized the need for a coin and jewelry buyer in the area.

"I heard stories about what people had received for what they had in their collections and I thought that numbers were inappropriately low, particularly from out-of-town traveling buyers," Van Kleeck said.

To fix the problem and meet the need for a trusted and reliable coin and jewelry buyer, Van Kleeck decided to begin UP Coins.

"We've had a lot of people come to us and be very satisfied. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to make people smile and use the expertise you've developed over the years," he said.

Van Kleeck said not only can he use his contacts to purchase collections, he can also use his contacts to find a specific coin someone might be looking for.

Whether looking to liquidate a large or small coin collection, Van Kleeck ensures that all of his clients receive a fair price.

"Every transaction we do is completely transparent. We show people why things are what they are in terms of value, whether it is a coin or a piece of jewelry," Van Kleeck said.

Besides coin collections, UP Coins also buys unwanted or broken jewelry, including broken chains, out-of-style pieces and inherited jewelry that no longer has an emotional value.

"Prices are good, so it makes sense to liquidate that used jewelry or sterling flatware sets people inherited that never get used," he said.

UP Coins provides residents of the Upper Peninsula with a more reliable option than the traveling buyers.

"We've had people come here that have been offered two or three hundred dollars for what they had and we've paid them $1,000 or more," Van Kleeck said. "It boggles my mind what happens or can happen to people."

When selling a collection, it is important to work with a buyer that is both honest and reliable.

"It's important for people to realize they have a place to go that is safe, secure and completely confidential, where they can get a solid, fair price for their items," he said.

Providing the best value is an important part of their service.

"(Customers) don't have to drive down the road wondering, 'did I get the best value for what I had?' We want people to be satisfied," Van Kleeck said.

Although the primary focus for UP Coins is the Copper Country, they have had clients come from Manistique to Newberry to have their collections liquidated based on referrals from previous clients.

"Depending on the size of your holdings, we can travel to your home or bank, though nearly all of our business is done at our location to cater to the specific needs and schedule of our clients," Van Kleeck said.

Those interested in having their collection of coins or jewelry purchased can call Todd and Sally at UP Coins seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 906.523.4206.

Editor's note: This feature is part of a paid advertising package purchased by UP Coins. Businesses interested in being featured on the Business page may call Yvonne Robillard at 483-2220.